Monster
by Kanye West
Summary
"Monster" is a bold statement about Kanye's rise to fame, his struggles with fame, and the darker side of success. He embraces his monstrous persona while critiquing the industry and the people around him.
Full Analysis
The overall theme of "Monster" dives deep into Kanye West's psyche. He openly wrestles with the pressures and madness that come with fame. The track is full of bravado but also hints at vulnerability. Kanye paints himself as a monster, not just to celebrate his success, but to acknowledge the pain and isolation that often accompany it. He’s aware that his lifestyle attracts both admiration and jealousy, and he doesn’t shy away from calling out the haters and the bloodsuckers who want to bring him down.
Verse 1
I shoot the lights out
Hide 'til it's bright out
Oh, just another lonely night
Are you willing to sacrifice your life?
In this opening verse, Kanye sets a dark tone. He talks about being in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to emerge. The mention of a "lonely night" hints at his isolation despite his fame. The question about sacrifice suggests that success comes at a cost, forcing listeners to think about what they’d give up for their dreams.
Chorus
Gossip, gossip, nigga, just stop it
Everybody know I'm a motherfuckin' monster
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands at the concert
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands at the concert
The chorus hits hard with its catchy repetition. Kanye directly addresses the gossip surrounding him, insisting that everyone knows his power. By asking for hands at the concert, he’s demanding recognition and respect from his audience. It’s a call to action, inviting fans to join him in celebrating his achievements.
Verse 2
Uh, the best living or dead hands down, huh
Less talk, more head right now, huh
And my eyes more red than the devil is
And I'm 'bout to take it to another level, bitch
Here, Kanye brags about his superiority in the rap game. He compares himself to the best, living or dead. The line about his "red eyes" hints at his struggles, possibly with fame or substance use. He’s gearing up for something big, ready to elevate his artistry and challenge anyone who doubts him.
Chorus
Gossip, gossip, nigga, just stop it
Everybody know I'm a motherfuckin' monster
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands at the concert
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands
Repeating the chorus drives home his frustration with the media and critics. It reinforces his status and demands acknowledgment from the crowd. He’s not just a rapper; he’s a force that needs to be recognized.
Verse 3
Sasquatch, Godzilla, King Kong, Loch Ness
Goblin, ghoul, a zombie with no conscience
Question, what do these things all have in common?
Everybody knows I'm a motherfuckin' monster
In this verse, Kanye uses mythical creatures to symbolize his larger-than-life persona. Each reference emphasizes his wild, untamed nature. He’s comparing himself to these figures to show he’s not just another rapper; he’s an icon. The line about everyone knowing he’s a monster reflects his self-awareness and acceptance of this identity.
Chorus
Gossip, gossip, nigga, just stop it
Everybody know I'm a motherfuckin' monster
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands at the concert
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands
Again, the chorus comes back, serving as a powerful reminder of his position in the music world. It’s catchy and demands attention, solidifying his monster status.
Verse 4
Pull up in the monster, automobile gangsta
With a bad bitch that came from Sri Lanka
Yeah, I'm in that Tonka, color of Willy Wonka
You could be the king, but watch the queen conquer
This verse starts with a flashy display of wealth and status. Kanye’s confidence shines as he talks about his lifestyle. He references a "bad bitch" and a colorful car, showcasing his extravagant tastes. The line about the queen conquering hints at the strength of women in his life, especially Nicki Minaj, who features prominently in this section.
Verse 5
Okay, first things first, I'll eat your brains
Then I'ma start rocking gold teeth and fangs
'Cause that's what a motherfuckin' monster do
Hair dresser from Milan, that's the monster 'do
Kanye continues with his monster theme, suggesting he’s ready to devour his competition. The gold teeth and fangs symbolize his monstrous nature, embracing the image fully. He’s not just playing a role; he’s making it clear that this is who he is now.
Outro
I, I crossed the limelight
And I'll, I'll let God decide
And I, I wouldn't last these shows
So I, I am headed home
The outro shifts the mood a bit. Kanye reflects on his journey, acknowledging the pressures of fame and the toll it can take. By mentioning God, he hints at a spiritual struggle, suggesting he’s trying to find balance while dealing with all the chaos around him. He’s ready to go home, perhaps indicating a desire for peace amidst the madness.
Closing Thoughts
"Monster" is a powerful anthem that captures Kanye West's complex relationship with fame and success. He embraces his monstrous persona while also revealing the loneliness and struggles that come with it. The song is both a celebration of his achievements and a critique of the world around him, making it a standout track in his discography.
Full Lyrics
▼
Hide 'til it's bright out
Oh, just another lonely night
Are you willing to sacrifice your life?
Bitch, I'm a monster, no-good bloodsucker
Fat motherfucker, now look who's in trouble
As you run through my jungles, all you hear is rumbles
Kanye West samples, here's one for example
Gossip, gossip, nigga, just stop it
Everybody know I'm a motherfuckin' monster
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands at the concert
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands at the concert
Profit, profit, nigga, I got it
Everybody know I'm a motherfuckin' monster
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands at the concert
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands
Uh, the best living or dead hands down, huh
Less talk, more head right now, huh
And my eyes more red than the devil is
And I'm 'bout to take it to another level, bitch
Matter who you go and get, ain't nobody cold as this
Do the rap and the track, triple-double, no assists
And my only focus is stayin' on some bogus shit
Arguin' with my older bitch, actin' like I owe her shit
I heard the beat, the same raps that gave the track pain
Bought the chain that always give me back pain
Fucking up my money so, yeah, I had to act sane
Chi nigga, but these hoes love my accent
Chick came up to me and said, "This the number to dial
If you wanna make your number one your number two now"
Mix that Goose and Malibu, I call it "Malibooyah"
Goddamn, Yeezy always hit 'em with a new style
Know that motherfucker, well, what you gon' do now?
Whatever I wanna do, gosh, it's cool now
Know I'm gonna do, ah, it's the new now
Think you motherfuckers really really need to cool out
'Cause you'll never get on top of this
So, mami, best advice is just to get on top of this
Have you ever had sex with a pharaoh?
Ah, put the pussy in a sarcophagus
Now she claiming that I bruised her esophagus
Head of the class and she just won a swallowship
I'm livin' in the future so the present is my past
My presence is a present, kiss my ass
Gossip, gossip, nigga, just stop it
Everybody know I'm a motherfuckin' monster
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands at the concert
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands at the concert (Yeah)
Profit, profit, nigga, I got it
Everybody know I'm a motherfuckin' monster
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands at the concert
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands
Sasquatch, Godzilla, King Kong, Loch Ness
Goblin, ghoul, a zombie with no conscience
Question, what do these things all have in common?
Everybody knows I'm a motherfuckin' monster
Conquer, stomp ya, stop your silly nonsense
Nonsense, none of you niggas know where the swamp is
None of you niggas have seen the carnage that I've seen
I still hear fiends scream in my dreams
Murder, murder in black convertibles, I
Kill a block, I murder the avenues, I
Rape and pillage your village, women and children
Everybody want to know what my Achilles heel is
Love, I don't get enough of it
All I get is these vampires and bloodsuckers
All I see is these niggas I made millionaires
Millin' about, spillin' they feelings in the air
All I see is these fake fucks with no fangs
Tryna draw blood from my ice-cold veins
I smell a massacre
Seems to be the only way to back you bastards up
Gossip, gossip, nigga, just stop it
Everybody know I'm a motherfuckin' monster
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands at the concert
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands at the concert
Profit, profit, nigga, I got it
Everybody know I'm a motherfuckin' monster
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands at the concert
I'ma need to see your fuckin' hands
Pull up in the monster, automobile gangsta
With a bad bitch that came from Sri Lanka
Yeah, I'm in that Tonka, color of Willy Wonka
You could be the king, but watch the queen conquer
Okay, first things first, I'll eat your brains
Then I'ma start rocking gold teeth and fangs
'Cause that's what a motherfuckin' monster do
Hair dresser from Milan, that's the monster 'do
Monster Giuseppe heel, that's the monster shoe
Young Money is the roster and a monster crew
And I'm all up, all up, all up in the bank with the funny face
And if I'm fake, I ain't notice 'cause my money ain't
So let me get this straight, wait, I'm the rookie?
But my features and my shows ten times your pay?
50K for a verse, no album out
Yeah, my money's so tall that my Barbies got to climb it
Hotter than a Middle Eastern climate, violent
Tony Matterhorn, dutty wine it, wine it
Nicki on them titties when I sign it
That's how these niggas so one-track-minded
But really, really I don't give an F-U-C-K
"Forget Barbie, fuck Nicki, sh-she's fake"
"She on a diet," but my pockets eatin' cheesecake
And I'll say, bride of Chucky, it's child's play
Just killed another career, it's a mild day
Besides, Ye, they can't stand besides me
I think me, you, and Am' should ménage Friday
Pink wig, thick ass, give 'em whiplash
I think big, get cash, make 'em blink fast
Now look at what you just saw, this is what you live for
Ah, I'm a motherfuckin' monster
I, I crossed the limelight
And I'll, I'll let God decide
And I, I wouldn't last these shows
So I, I am headed home (Headed home)
I, I crossed the limelight
And I'll, I'll let God decide, 'cide (No)
And I, I wouldn't last these shows
So I, I am headed home (Head home)
I, I crossed the limelight (No, the limelight)
And I'll, I'll let God decide, 'cide
And I, I wouldn't last these shows
So I, I am headed home
